Fibrinolytic parameters in spermatozoas and seminal plasma

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Biochemistry
• Urology

Background:

• Male infertility is a significant health concern.
• The role of fibrinolytic system components in male reproductive health requires further elucidation.
• Plasminogen activators and inhibitors are crucial in regulating blood clot breakdown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the levels of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA), tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) in seminal plasma and sperm lysates of infertile men.
• To correlate these levels with different categories of male infertility, including normozoospermia, azoospermia, and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT syndrome).

Main Methods:

• Quantification of u-PA using radioimmunoassay (RIA).
• Measurement of t-PA antigen via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
• Assay of PAI activity using a spectrophotometric method.
• Analysis of samples from 67 males with varying fertility statuses.

Main Results:

• Significantly elevated levels of u-PA, t-PA, and PAI were detected in sperm lysates of patients with OAT syndrome compared to normozoospermic individuals.
• PAI was notably absent in the seminal plasma of normozoospermic men.
• Elevated seminal plasma PAI levels were observed in patients with azoospermia and OAT syndrome.
• High seminal plasma concentrations of t-PA and u-PA suggest a prostatic origin and do not appear to impact ejaculate quality.

Conclusions:

• The fibrinolytic system, specifically u-PA, t-PA, and PAI, is dysregulated in the sperm of infertile men, particularly those with OAT syndrome.
• Seminal plasma PAI levels may serve as a potential biomarker for certain types of male infertility.
• The findings suggest that while prostatic t-PA and u-PA are present in seminal plasma, they may not directly influence ejaculate quality in the context of infertility.